Not many websites really go into detail, but if you really want to save money, try a metal roof which will decrease your overall household temperature. Asphalt (shingled) roofs absorb heat, but metal reflects. Although it's expensive it's sure to pay off in the end!
Air conditioners consume energy to cool the air, but they don't necessarily waste it. The efficiency of your air conditioner, the size of the space it's cooling, and how well the space is insulated can all impact how much energy it uses. Regular maintenance and proper usage can help minimize energy waste.
When buying a portable air conditioner, you should worry about how much energy in which they consume. Seen as they are DC, they will not consumer as much as say an AC air conditioner which is powered from the mains.
The amount of energy an air conditioner uses depends on its size, efficiency, and how long it runs. On average, a central air conditioner uses about 3,000 to 5,000 watts of electricity per hour.
You will use more gas when your air conditioner is running.
It is not advisable to run the air conditioner with the windows open, even when the outside temperature is cooler. This can waste energy and reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner. It is more efficient to keep windows closed when using the air conditioner to maintain a consistent temperature inside.
There are no air conditioner's here currently available that run only on solar energy.
What is the energy efficiency rating of the air conditioner you're thinking of buying?
This website will have all the info you need: http://www.wisegeek.com/how-much-energy-does-air-conditioning-use.htm
It varies from air conditioning unit to unit. However, the exact energy usage will be on a name plate on the air conditioner. Look for a rating in either amps or watts.
That'd be 3256.23
Air conditioning equipments consume 0.5 KW electricity per Kilowatt refrigeration.
Your dog will survive perfectly well indoors without the air-conditioner on - regardless of whether it's winter or summer ! Air-con units are the biggest waste of energy on this planet !